As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 13

The next morning.

I overslept. My eyes were swollen from all the crying. If this had been the old me, I would have been too embarrassed to show my face in public.

But starting today, I’m a new me.

So, I’ll move forward.

Today, I’m taking the day off work. Lord Franz told me I could rest and take it easy today.

Though I felt a little guilty, I decided to accept his kindness.

I’ve learned that there’s no need to shrink from people’s kindness. Repaying it doesn’t mean feeling indebted, it means extending a hand when that person needs help in return.

“Oh, Lady Nina! You’re off work today, aren’t you?”

I was having a late breakfast when Maria came by.

I quickly finished my meal of salad, soup, and bread, then chatted and laughed with her.

“Yes, I had trouble sleeping and ended up oversleeping.”

“That just means you’re settling in here. I’m so glad.”

“Thank you, Maria. I really am always relying on your help.”

“In that case, please teach me sometime. My Wolfsburg language exam is so hard I feel like crying.”

“Of course! I might even be better at that than my native tongue.”

“Thank you! If I can learn from you, Lady Nina, who knows more than my teacher, it’ll be like having the strength of a hundred people.”

We enjoyed tea at ten o’clock.

This might be the first time I’ve truly relaxed on a day off. Now I understand just how heavy the dresses I used to wear really were.

“Oh, I know! Why don’t we go into town? My brother told me to buy some daily necessities for you, Lady Nina. He gave me some spending money too, so let’s have lunch at a café!”

“But that’s your money, Maria.”

“It’s fine. My brother gave me enough for your share too, since you’re helping with work and your family, the Duke’s household, sent more than enough for your living expenses. They said not to worry about it.”

“Well then, let’s go play in town for a bit.”

Going out casually into the city with a friend my own age.

It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. But as a noble and the Crown Prince’s fiancée even such a simple dream was out of reach.

“Then after we eat, let’s look at spring clothes!”

“That would be a big help. Honestly, I wasn’t able to bring many clothes with me, so I’ve been at a loss.”

“I’m so excited!! And I’ll boast to my friends. Everyone admires you, Lady Nina, so if I tell them we went on a date, they’ll be so jealous!”

“That’s a little embarrassing. But make sure you escort me properly, Maria!”

“Of course, my princess!”

We laughed together as we said that. Maybe starting today, my youth has finally begun.